Database EvidenceEva O’Sullivan

Entering Field Names

Once in design view, I entered the field names into the database according to the ‘Data Items List’

Name of Species

I changed the ‘Name of Species’ data type from ‘ID’ to ‘Text’ because from looking at my data I could see it would be written in letters and spaces.

I then changed the Field Size to 50 because I thought it would be a suitable size. I also kept it to a minimal field size to save computer memory.

Group

I decided to use a drop down box for my group field. I chose this because, from looking at the data list, I could see that the data would have to fit in 4 specific categories: bird/insect, mammal, fish and reptile/amphibian. Using a drop down box would also make the database easy and simple for the user.

I then changed the field size to ‘20’ because, from looking at my data, I could tell that the animal groups wouldn’t be more than 20 characters.

I added a validation rule so the only values the user can enter are the ones specified.

I changed the ‘limit to list’ to ‘No.’ This would later allow me to add a validation rule, which means the users cannot make any spelling mistakes, and makes my data more valid.

I added a validation text so when a user enters an incorrect value, they will be told, and can amend the data.

Location

I chose to change the field size to 200, because from looking at my data I could assume no location would have more that 200 characters. Keeping the field size to a minimum would also allow me to save computer space.

I decided to keep the data type as ‘text’ because, from looking at my data, I could see that the locations would be in the form of characters and spaces.

Status

I decided to use a drop down box for my Status field. I chose this because, from looking at the data list, I could see that the data would have to fit in 4 specific categories: Red, Orange and Blue. Using a drop down box would also make the database easy and simple for the user.

I changed the field size to 6 because the longest option in my drop down box is Orange, which has a field size of 6.

I added a validation rule so the only values the user can enter are the ones specified.

I added a validation text so when a user enters an incorrect value, they will be told, and can amend the data.

Threat

I changed the ‘Threat’ data type to ‘Lookup Wizard.’ This was to make my database more user friendly and easy to use. It also means that people will only be able to select these threats, instead of having a variety of answers.I changed the ‘field size’ to 1 because I

knew the threats would either be ‘C’ ‘L’ ‘H’ or ‘P’

I changed the ‘limit to list’ to ‘No.’ This would later allow me to add a validation rule, which means the users cannot make any spelling mistakes, and makes my data more valid.

I added a validation text so when a user enters an incorrect value, they will be told, and can change their data.

I added a validation rule so the only values the user can enter are the ones specified.

Web link

I changed the ‘Weblink’ data type to ‘Hyperlink’ because, from looking at the data items list linked on the DiDA website, I could see that the weblinks would be in the form of hyperlinks.

Adoption Cost

I changed the ‘Adoption Cost’ data type to Currency because, from looking at the data items list I could see that the data for this field would be in money and would require the Currency data type.

I changed the Decimal Places to 2 because it specifically mentioned how many decimal places were required in the data items list.

Testing Validation RulesTo test my validation rules, I will enter in false values. If the rules work, it should come up with my validation text.

This is what happened:

Status:

Group:

Threat:

Importing Data

Data Entry Form

First Draft

As well as a ‘add new animal’ button I could add a ‘find existing animal’ button which would make the process of checking the new fields I will enter much easier, and the data entry form more user friendly.

I will add a logo to personalise the form and make it more relevant to the project.

To make the data entry form fit in with the theme that will run through my publications I should change the colour of the font to dark blue.

I should also add a key which will explain the codes used in the ‘status’ and ‘threat’ fields, making the form more user friendly.

Test Buddy Feedback

Your data entry form is good because it includes all the basics needed (eg. title, introduction, drop down boxes etc.) however it could be improved to make it much more user friendly. You should include a logo to personalise it, and a key is very important so the users know how to use the codes. The button is good, as it makes it easy for the user to enter data, however you could add one more to improve.

- Ynna Ramirez

I changed the font colour and style so my data entry form would fit my planned theme which will run throughout my project

I chose to include a key, which will make my data entry form more user friendly.

I also chose to add another button to my data entry form, which will allow the user to easily add a new field (animal) to the database.

I chose to add a button to my data entry form, which will allow the user to easily find any field (animal) in the database. This will also enable me to easily check that my ‘add new button’ has successfully worked.

Final Draft

Test Buddy Feedback

Your final draft has improved a lot. It is now more user friendly, as there are more buttons. It also includes a logo, meaning it fits the specifications set on the DiDA website. I liked the key, because as well as making it more user friendly, it makes the form look more bright & colourful.

- Danielle Rudasingwa

Adding New Fields

Tasmanian Forester Kangaroo

I used the website http://earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?gr=M&mp=1&sp=220to find information about the Tasmanian Forester Kangaroo.

I clicked ‘add new animal,’ then entered the information required, and then used my ‘find existing animal’ button to check the field had worked.

Giant Panda

I used the website http://earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?gr=M&mp=1&sp=321 to find information about the Giant Panda.

I clicked ‘add new animal,’ then entered the information required. I then used my ‘find existing animal’ button to check the field had worked, and that the data had been accepted.

Asiatic Lion

I used the website http://earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?gr=M&mp=1&sp=239 to find information about the Asiatic Lion.

I clicked ‘add new animal,’ and entered the information required. I then used my ‘find existing animal’ button to check the field had worked, and that the data had been accepted.

Final Imported Data

There are now 176 records (3 more than in the original database,) meaning the data entry form was successful in entering the three new pieces of data.